Visiting Heidi

Heidi & Chris in the cock pit



the C130

the cargo area with the tail being put down

cock pit controls

Chris pretty excited about 'flying' or pretending

Chris is testing out the night vision

ready to hit the flight line, don't forget the protective ear wear

Me & Chris on the flight line, it was so cold and windy

Me & Cpt. Heidi

trying out the NVG...very cool

Recently Chris and I had the opportunity to visit my dear friend Heidi! Heidi and I met our freshman year at MSU and became instant friends...after graduating she was off into the Air Force. She is now a captain with the USAF and a pilot too!!! I have not seen Heidi since the summer of '04 since she has been constantly busy with pilot training and tours to the middle east! But the opportunity came up and we jumped on it so we visited her and it was great a short visit but none the less wonderful! She took us on base and gave us a tour then took us out the the flight line to see the planes and even had it arranged for us to go in the plane she flys. Heidi is currently a co-pilot on a C130 but as of March will have enough hours and expirience to transition into head pilot (or whatever they call it)!!! The C130's are huge, we went back into the cargo area which the transport everything from supplies to para troopers to injured troops. It was pretty cool. Then she took us into to the Night Vision Goggle testing area so that we could try those out! They were pretty cool but I think I would have a major headache if I had to wear those for extend time periods like night flying!
After touring the base she treated us to a fantastic dinner!!! It was so great to see her! She will be home at Christmas so I am really hoping to be able to get together for a more extended visit then!!! Thanks Heidi!!